History
The first Pieology was opened in March 2011 in Fullerton, California, just a few blocks away from the campus of California State University, Fullerton, by partners Carl Chang and James Markham.[7] During its first few months of operation, the business was known as Pie-ology Pizzeria.[8] Chang and Markham were previously involved with the development of MOD Pizza. Markham left the partnership the following year.[9] After the success of the first location, a second location was opened in nearby Irvine (near the campus of University of California, Irvine) in November 2012.[10] For the first few years, initial growth was restricted to company-owned locations in Southern California.
In September 2014, Pieology expanded into the state of Minnesota, opening a location in Mankato with the assistance of Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Matt Kalil as the local franchise owner.[11] During the same month, Pieology expanded into the state of Arizona, opening a location in Tucson.[12]
By October 2014, the company had 35 units in eight states.[13]
In 2015, Pieology was the fastest growing restaurant chain in America, according to data from Technomic.[14]
In March 2016, Pieology expanded into the state of Hawaii, opening a location in Aina Haina with the help of franchise partner Cotti Foods.[15]
In May 2016, Pieology opened its first location outside the continental United States in the city of Tamuning in the American territory of Guam with the help of a local franchise partner.[16]
In 2016, Pieology received an investment from Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the founders of Panda Restaurant Group.[5][17] Later in that year, Pieology acquired one of its rivals, Project Pie.[18]
In December 2025, Pieology filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after seeking court approval of a debt repayment plan; the original Fullerton restaurant soon shut down.[19]
